try on
Britishverb
-
to put on (an article of clothing) to find out whether it fits or is suitable
-
informal to attempt to deceive or fool someone
noun
-
Test the fit or look of a garment by putting it on, as in Do you want to try on this dress? This expression is also put as try on for size , which is sometimes used figuratively, as in The teacher wanted to try the new method on for size before agreeing to use it . [Late 1600s]
-
Test the effectiveness or acceptability of something, as in The actors decided to try on the new play out of town . [Late 1800s] Also see try out .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
While investors could try on their own to both achieve broad market exposure and dodge certain companies, doing so can be expensive.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 9, 2026
The morning before Caitlin was admitted into hospital for the final time, she, Grace and Neve went to try on bridesmaids' dresses together.
From BBC ● Jul. 1, 2026
“There were a few things I would have wanted to try on and maybe even purchase,” Kristovich said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 16, 2026
“First- and second-graders who try on glasses the first time are blown away because they just thought that’s how the world looked,” Carroll said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 4, 2026
El makes me try on everything from my eighth-grade graduation dress to this formless, chiffon floral tunic my mom bought me last Christmas.
From "Dumplin'" by Julie Murphy
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
